Mexico Midget Tomato
Price: $4.45
SKU: 3401471In his book entitled, "Epic Tomatoes," Craig described how a gardening acquaintance from Chico, California name Barney Laman[2] had sent him the seed. Craig wrote, "In 1990, I received a letter from Barney with a packet of seeds, which he claimed were those of the world's smallest tomato. The seeds were collected by Barney's brother, a New Mexico trucker,[3] on one of his hay-delivering trips to Texas, from someone who told him that they originated in Mexico." He continues on to describe the fruit as, "...being as tiny as a pea."[1] Very few sources today are selling "Mexico Midget" seeds that actually match this size trait.
Although most sources list 'Mexico Midget as maturing in the 60 to 85 day range, in 2004, we had perfect growing conditions for tomatoes here on the farm in Oregon and were able to eat our first ripe 'Mexico Midget' tomatoes thirty-seven (yep 37!) days after transplanting!
Patience is needed for germination, which can occur sporadically over the course of several weeks.
Fruit Color: Red
Special Groups: "Epic" Tomatoes
Harvest Timing: Early/Short Season
Full light and cooler temps (60° to 70°) will help to prevent the seedlings from becoming too leggy. If plants become rootbound before you can safely set them into the ground, transplant them into larger pots.
Harden off plants before planting outside. Young plants are very susceptible to frost and sunburn damage. Avoid too much nitrogen. Water evenly but not in excess.
Click here to view our full tomato growing guide.
- "Epic Tomatoes: How To Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time," Craig LeHoullier, Storey Publishing, 2015, page 20.
- Obituary of Barney Earl Laman.
- Obituary of Vernon 'Benham' Laman.
Customer Reviews:
By Tim Brice (St Peters,MO) on May 31, 2025
Unfortunately none of the seeds came in. Not sure why, I had great success with this variety (Mexico Midget) in the past. I will try again next year. As for the ones I purchased in the past I give it 5 stars. Thanks for providing different varieties.
By Andrew (Texas) on June 15, 2023
So far so good. The fruit is delicious! The germination matched any other varieties I've grown. <br><br>But, the growth habit appears unusual (to me.) The angle of sucker growth seems closer to 90° than the 45° at the leaf node than I'm used to. My plants have all grown as wide (from the base) as they have tall. They sort of envelop their cages from the outside, and tend to sprawl just above the ground in a way I haven't figured out how to contain. <br><br>When I plant them again (and I will because the whole family loves them) they'll get their own bed. :-)
By Jennifer Pappas on August 30, 2012
Highly recommend -One of the best tomatoes I have ever grown from seed.Great tomato for snacking and the flavor is fantastic. I grew in a container and in a compost rich garden. Did well in both but really excelled in the garden. Can't wait for next year!
